Radcliffe Camera is one of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford, England. It is a round library built in the early 18th century by James Gibbs, who was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The building has been a part of the University of Oxford since 1749 and is home to the Radcliffe Science Library, the Bodleian Law Library, and the Radcliffe Camera Collection of rare books.
History of Radcliffe Camera
The Radcliffe Camera was built between 1737 and 1749 and was originally designed as a library for the Radcliffe Science Library. The building was funded by a donation from John Radcliffe, a physician and philanthropist, who wanted to create a library to house books related to the sciences. The library was named after him, and the building was designed to be an iconic landmark of Oxford.
The building has been renovated several times over the years, but it has retained its original design and purpose. The Radcliffe Camera has been a part of the University of Oxford since 1749 and is home to the Radcliffe Science Library, the Bodleian Law Library, and the Radcliffe Camera Collection of rare books.
Features of Radcliffe Camera
The Radcliffe Camera is an iconic landmark of Oxford and is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. The building is a round, domed structure made of Portland stone, with a grand entrance and a lantern roof. The building is surrounded by a garden and has a large clock tower at the entrance.
The building is home to the Radcliffe Science Library, which houses over 250,000 books and journals. It is also home to the Bodleian Law Library, which contains over 200,000 books and documents related to law. The Radcliffe Camera Collection of rare books is also housed in the building, and it contains books from the 16th to the 19th century.
Visiting Radcliffe Camera
The Radcliffe Camera is open to the public and is free to visit. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and learn about its history and architecture. The building is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Visitors can also explore the library and browse the collection of books and documents. There is also a café in the building, which serves refreshments and snacks.
Things to Do Near Radcliffe Camera
The Radcliffe Camera is located in the heart of Oxford, and there are plenty of things to do and see nearby. The building is within walking distance of many of Oxford’s attractions, such as the University of Oxford, the Ashmolean Museum, and the Bodleian Library.
There are also a number of cafes, restaurants, and bars in the area, as well as plenty of shops and boutiques.
Conclusion
The Radcliffe Camera is an iconic landmark of Oxford and is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. The building is home to the Radcliffe Science Library, the Bodleian Law Library, and the Radcliffe Camera Collection of rare books. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and explore the library and café. The building is within walking distance of many of Oxford’s attractions, as well as a number of cafes, restaurants, and bars.